Ring Lichen: The Fascinating Circular Lichen Growing in Your Backyard
Have you ever noticed those interesting grayish-green, branching growths forming circular patterns on tree bark in your yard? Meet the ring lichen, scientifically known as Evernia divaricata – a remarkable organism that’s probably been quietly decorating your landscape longer than you’ve been paying attention to it!
What Exactly Is Ring Lichen?
Ring lichen isn’t actually a plant at all – it’s a fascinating partnership between a fungus and algae living together in perfect harmony. This collaboration creates those distinctive branching, almost coral-like structures that form characteristic ring or circular patterns on tree bark and other surfaces.
Unlike the plants we’re used to gardening with, lichens like Evernia divaricata don’t have roots, stems, or leaves. Instead, they’re completely self-sufficient little ecosystems that get everything they need from the air and rain around them.
Where You’ll Find Ring Lichen
Ring lichen is native to North America and can be found across much of the continent wherever suitable conditions exist. You’re most likely to spot it growing on the bark of deciduous trees, though it occasionally appears on other surfaces too.
Is Ring Lichen Good for Your Garden?
Absolutely! While you can’t plant or cultivate ring lichen like traditional garden plants, its presence is actually a wonderful sign for your landscape:
- It indicates good air quality – lichens are sensitive to pollution
- Adds natural texture and visual interest to tree bark
- Provides habitat for tiny insects and other small creatures
- Contributes to the overall biodiversity of your yard
- Requires zero maintenance or care from you
How to Identify Ring Lichen
Spotting ring lichen is easier than you might think once you know what to look for:
- Look for grayish-green, branching structures on tree bark
- Notice the distinctive circular or ring-like growth patterns
- The branches appear somewhat flattened and divide repeatedly
- Texture is slightly rough or granular to the touch
- Most commonly found on deciduous trees like oaks and maples
Living with Ring Lichen
The best approach to ring lichen is simply to appreciate it! This remarkable organism:
- Won’t harm your trees – it’s just using bark as a surface to live on
- Doesn’t need any care, watering, or maintenance from you
- Actually indicates a healthy, unpolluted environment
- Adds to the natural character of mature trees
If you’re noticing ring lichen appearing in your landscape, consider it nature’s seal of approval. It means your yard is providing clean air and suitable conditions for these sensitive organisms to thrive.
The Bottom Line
Ring lichen is one of those wonderful examples of nature taking care of itself right in your backyard. While you can’t plant it or manage it like your favorite flowers, you can certainly appreciate it as part of your landscape’s natural ecosystem. Next time you’re out in the yard, take a moment to look up at your tree bark – you might be surprised by the intricate beauty of these remarkable organisms living quietly among us!
